Nepheline the Goddess of Green

Kermit called, wants his shirt back. 

Behold the greenest of green blouses you ever did see. Praise be to the gods of greenness for bringing this mighty Nepheline Blouse to our lives.

 Actually it was a friend Helen that introduced me to the Nepheline Pattern, but she's a gooddess so that's fine.

I think I'm the last person to know about this pattern but I had never heard of it until my sewing pal was making one at Retreat. Always on the lookout for something interesting she kindly let me try it on, and it fit! So not only did I discover a lovely new pattern, but also what size to cut out without any faffing and fitting. 

This is the Nepheline Blouse - by Vivian Shao Chen. 

 Nerd alert - Nepheline is a rock, so I assume the pattern is named after it's Greek origin 'Cloud'. I always like to know what patterns are named after! It has gone lovely billow cloud sleeves so maybe it's that. 

The blouse comes with a couple of versions - this high neck one and a more ruffly frou-frou type. 

I cut a straight up Size 5 based on the one I tried and that does the job just fine.   

I wore this blouse recently and had so many lovely compliments, including strangers, which is always such a kind thing isn't it. 

It's a very simple shirt to make, no darts, minimal pieces, but very effective. The sleeve detail is wonderful!

There are 2 pleats that make a great lantern sleeve shape as it tucks into the sleeve hem band. 

What does most of the work here is this fabric - it is glorious. This is the Palm Tree Broderie Anglais and not only is it vivid, its soft and a dream to sew with. (It comes in 6 colourways). Very refreshing to find a broderie fabric that isn't floral or ditsy in style. This is definite Farm Rio vibes. 

 

Because of all the holes in the fabric, I used the selvedge to cut the button plackets and cuff bands so any interfacing would not show through. I also used bias binding to finish the hem and neckline for the same reason and it works a treat. The bias is lime green so I quite like the colour pop when it shows. 

I deliberated on buttons for a while, but would it even be my shirt if I didn't put something ridiculous on it. These cute little lime green tree frogs went with the theme and I think they are just right for it.

All in all a really easy to wear shirt. 

Have you made this one? Let me know your thoughts! 

Wishing everyone well and thank you for stopping by - feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx